University Researchers Corner Cops On Distracted Driving

A group of student researchers from St. Mary's University of Minnesota (SMU) have concluded that the amount of technology inside a police squad car contributes to a growing number of police-involved auto crashes.

Conducted at the request of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT), the Graduate School of Public Safety Administration study focuses on 378 police-involved crashes between 2006-10. 

According to the SMU study, the total cost of the 378 closed crashes was $1,188,666, with distracted driving accounting for 14 percent of claims and 17 percent of costs.

Moreover, technology inside the squad car was said to have played a role in 12 percent of claims and account for 24 percent of costs.

The numbers seem negligible until the study reveals: "It should be noted however, that 48 percent of the closed claim files did not state clearly whether the crash was influenced by technology as reported by the claims adjuster or officer."

At the time of the study, the researchers were also not given access to 47 open cases of police-involved auto crashes between 2006-10, which they admit could further prove their conclusions.

SMU researchers also noted in their limitations section a distinct culture within law enforcement that may be skewing some of the data.

Put simply, officers may not be completely truthful when recounting the details of a crash for fear of disciplinary action.

The study states:

"Individual departmental policies and procedures presented an additional difficulty in gathering accurate data. An officer will be closely scrutinized following involvement in a work related crash. An officer who shows inattention, carelessness, or distraction while performing essential duties is at-risk for departmental discipline. Ultimately, discipline may lead to termination. It is understood that an officer may weigh these factors when giving a statement regarding the facts of a crash."

The researchers are also calling for the creation of a statewide program in which law enforcement officers are trained to recognize the increased risk associated with the use of technology while driving.

Officials from SMU, the League of Minnesota Cities and the Washington County Sheriff's Office have scheduled a press conference for 2 p.m. today to discuss the report and its impact on law enforcement in Minnesota.

The press conference will be held at the Harrington Mansion and Events Center on the SMU Minneapolis campus.